Become a Specialist

NC Workforce Housing Specialist LogoThe WHS Certification Program provides Real Estate Professionals with the knowledge of available programs and resources to assist workforce housing buyers while enhancing their skills, expertise, and versatility in the field of real estate.

The NC WHS credential is awarded and recognized by NC REALTORS® as a state-certification and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the National Association of REALTORS®.

Benefits of Certification

  • Gain access to downpayment options only open to Workforce Housing Specialists.
  • Become an affordable housing expert in your community.
  • Remain educated on the most recent and pressing issues affecting homeownership affordability.
  • Join other like-minded professionals to advocate for affordable housing at the state level.
  • Gain industry recognition.
  • Receive a certificate and a pin and be listed as a Specialist on this website.
  • Advertise your credentials in your marketing.
How to Earn Your Certification

In order to be certified as a Workforce Housing Specialist, real estate professionals must complete 20 hours of coursework within 18 months consisting of Core Courses and Electives.

Graduates are required to recertify on an annual basis in order to keep their Workforce Housing Specialist title and remain on the Housing Foundation website.

BONUS Some of the courses listed below are also requirements for the Graduate, REALTOR® Institute (GRI) designation. Questions? Contact Savanna Reagin for more information.

Core Courses

Financing in Today’s Market
Virtual Course | See Course Calendar »

Financing Dreams
Virtual Course | See Course Calendar »

At Home With Diversity OR Bias Override
Virtual Course | See Course Calendar »


Qualifying Electives (Select one from the following)

Beneath the Surface: Understanding the Anatomy of a House
Online Course | Register »

Fair Housing & Beyond
Online Course | Register »

Financing in Today’s Market
Virtual Course | See Course Calendar »

Meeting the Needs of Buyers and Sellers
Online Course | Register »

Military Relocation Professional
Online Course | Register »

Successful Buyer Client Systems
Online Course | Register »

Application for Certification  |  Submit Application Online »

After completing the WHS Program Requirements, real estate professionals will need to submit a graduation application. There is no fee to submit the application. Once approved as a WHS, graduates will receive a certificate, pin, and will be listed as a specialist on the NC REALTORS® Housing Foundation website.

2023-2024 Recertification

Workforce Housing Specialists must complete a total of 4 Credits of the following options on an annual basis.  Recertification Application must be submitted by the end of the CE Year (June 10).

  • Workforce Housing Transaction (Counts as 1 Credit)
    Must be at least one of the following: FHA/HUD approved, counseling agency, Down Payment Assistant Program, NCHFA, USDA rural development, or VA.
  • Attend an Event that focuses on topics such as Affordable Housing, Financing, etc. (Counts as 2 Credits)
    *Attendance Must be Reported by Host Association or Company
  • Take a Class
    • At Home With Diversity (Counts as 4 Credits)
      Online Course | Register »
    • Bias Override (Counts as 4 Credits)
      Virtual Course | See Course Calendar »
    • Fair Housing & Beyond (Counts as 4 Credits)
      Online Course | Register »
    • Financing Dreams (Counts as 4 Credits)
      Virtual Course | See Course Calendar »
    • Financing in Today’s Market (Counts as 4 Credits)
      Virtual Course | See Course Calendar »
    • Mastering Real Estate Negotiations (Counts as 4 Credits)
      Online Course | Register »
    • Short Sales & Foreclosures (Counts as 4 Credits)
      Online Course | Register »

Application for RECertification  |  SUBMIT APPLICATION ONLINE »

Questions? Contact Savanna Reagin for more information.

Scholarships

In order to assist with the cost of courses, the North Carolina REALTORS® Housing Foundation is offering Reimbursement Scholarships on a quarterly basis. Click here to apply for a scholarship.

Questions? Please contact Kentia Smith.